Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to the latest log. As always, I’m hoping you are in reasonable fettle.

As you likely know, the first steps in our phased return took place this week with different groups of around 50 or so young people in school each day in order to undertake practical activities in workshops or using specialist equipment. The focus is on Senior Phase students completing SQA courses. I am very pleased to report that this has gone exceptionally well so far with a really good turnout and level of positive engagement. All those in school have been offered the chance to test for Covid using a Lateral Flow Device. Again, I am delighted by the response to that. Our young people see the sense in doing this and are “on board”. They are also thanked for fully respecting the 2m distancing regulations, face coverings and hygiene rules. This success should allow us to expand what we are able to do over the next couple of weeks.

Next week’s programme builds on our positive start. Mrs Davidson has shared the full details by email and each pupil involved will receive a personal invite on “Teams”. The schedule looks like this:

• Monday: Computing, Practical Woodworking, Skills for Work Hospitality and Hospitality
• Tuesday: Graphic Communication, Music Technology, Skills for Work Hospitality and Hospitality
• Wednesday: Graphic Communication, Music Technology, Practical Metalworking and Hospitality
• Thursday: Fashion and Textiles, Practical Cookery, Design and Manufacture and Dance
• Friday: Fashion and Textiles, Practical Metalworking, Skills for Work Hospitality and Hospitality.

The next important date is March 15 when, according to the draft plan unveiled by the FM this week, we can have “more Senior Phase pupils in school”. What that means in reality is not entirely clear at present, but I understand that we might find out next week.

Following discussion with Gillian McIntyre, Chairperson, we have decided to hold a meeting of the KHS Parent Council that week, at 6pm on Tuesday 16 March. Things should be more certain by then. Perhaps we’ll know for sure when S1-3 will be back in school for “face to face” learning and have more on SQA internal assessment plans for May. I’ll send out a Zoom link to those of you who would like to join the meeting that weekend before the Tuesday.

The Easter holidays are early this year, with the last day of term being Friday 26 March. We return on 12 April and it looks probable that we will be back in the building by then. I can only say “probable” at this stage as the timeline and plans have yet to be finalised at national level, depending on trends in virus suppression.

Looking ahead, and Mrs Hamilton has sent all the course choice materials home by email, including a link to our online “Learning Fair”, an interactive video resource using “Sway” which will be of particular use to S2 pupils and their parents choosing subjects for the new session. I’m indebted to all the staff who contributed, and in particular to Miss Malcolm and Mr Paterson, creative supervisors. Mr Paterson is also responsible for our Employability Bulletin (attached). Here is the link to the Learning Fair.

Please note that our course choice deadlines are today for S4/5 and next Friday (5 March) for S2. I have mentioned “next session” just there and I want to share that I understand that Fife is likely to delay switching to a new school timetable until after the summer break. We usually do this at the start of June but the SQA has extended the deadline for the submission of internal assessment grades until June 25 which means that we could be testing and collecting evidence well into June.

This week’s assembly has been on the theme of children’s rights, delivered by our Social Subjects team. It would be great if you could watch it together with your son or daughter and have a chat about some of the issues raised. I appreciate that not all will manage this, but here is the link you will need to do that:

As is often the case, there is a wee bit of staff news to close. Congratulations and best wishes to Darcy Bruce (Pupil Support Assistant), who will moving to a seconded position with Fife Council from Monday. Darcy has been appointed to work in the community, engaging with families across the Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth areas. Her replacement is Blair Dow, who we welcome to KHS from Monday. And welcome back to Mrs Sammy-Jo Berwick (Science and Supported Learning) who returned to work this week after maternity leave. It’s great to have you back Mrs Berwick.

So that’s us for another week. As always, please never hesitate to be in touch if we can be of assistance. You know that we are all trying our best in trying circumstances. Thanks for all you are doing to support our work as a school. I hope you feel even more part of KHS than ever, as the school has come to your home once again over the past couple of months. The signs are now looking good with the virus retreating and immunity expanding as vaccination and testing continue. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a time soon when we are physically back together in KHS … our happy and successful learning community reunited as an actual school rather than the virtual version. Until then, we’ll make the most of it and learn from all our experiences and challenges.

Aye yours

Derek Allan
RECTOR
26 February 2021